Monday, October 5, 2009

Pluralism in Islam

1. Your pluralism says that a Muslim girl can marry Jew man. (My intention is not to discuss fallacy of this belief. This is only to prove that you promote pluralism as a law)

Please enlighten me through Qur’aan if this is prohibited. Qur’aan is a binary book, every thing that is asked of a man is asked of a woman. If a Muslim man can marry a non-Muslim woman and don’t even have to convert her, the other way around needs to be considered. It is a matter of faith and it is between her and him. We cannot regulate it, if we do that, we have to take the responsibility. On the Day of Judgment, no one but her is responsible for her actions. The good and bad she did to others, the Huqooqul Ibad. Only Allah knows and can judge her about her Deen (faith).

2. Your pluralism allow to you create positive impression about Zionism as though it is trivial personal differences

You have to be specific and give me a quote of my words. You said or I said is only good if it is backed up by the actual referential quote.

Extremism in Zionism is hated by moderate Jews. Zionism in itself is questioned by the Jews, the moderate Zionists think of it as a desire to return to their land per their scriptures without doing injustice to the Palestinians, the extremist Zionists on the other hand have no moral compass when it comes to the life of Palestinians, even though their scriptures, like the Islamic scriptures clearly say, saving one life is like saving the whole humanity. Extremism in every group goes against the very grain of the faith they boast to espouse. It is not about faith, it is their animalist insecurity that makes them do wrong things. Just as some extremist Muslims, Christians or Hindus do it.

Extereme Zionism, like the Taliban or Wahabbi ideolgies, is an ideology of exclusion, which is antithesis of Pluralism. I will be happy to retract any statement I have made in error.

3. Your pluralism endorses greatest sin in the site of Allah (Shirk)

How? Are you assuming it? Prove to me where I have said that.In a response to Khalid I have given a detailed response. Shirk can be committed only by a Muslim, for he subscribes to the idea of one God. For the polytheist shirk does not apply as he is not a monotheist.

4. Your pluralism make you to support those who want to take icons of “their religion” to a place of worship of other religion who do not endorse such icon.

Either you did not understand or misrepresenting my statements. Neither the Hindu couple nor the Catholic priests expected anything out of the ordinary for each other. The priest’s frame of reference called schema was that the couple is getting married and perhaps he had no idea what is involved in it. To the Hindu couple it was a normal common thing to have the Ganesh Icon to commence any ceremony. It is their Bismillah, requesting God to remove obstacles for them. This is a common misunderstand that happens in a daily life. My outrage was for the church members to be judgmental, and fire him.

As a Muslim, our role is to mitigate conflicts and nurture goodwill. That was the first model of peace the prophet gave – when Aswad fell off the wall, he was asked to resolve the conflict. He could have placed it himself but he brought the competing tribes and had them participate in placing the Aswad, it removed the conflict among them and nurtured the goodwill of doing it together.

5. Your pluralism makes you to promote a Hindu deity among Muslims whose history of existence is established neither by history nor by faith of the audience.

Please quote me where I said that and secondly, please clarify what the question. We have to be honest, in your rush to malign another Muslim who differs from you; you have made several statements without back up.

6. Your pluralism makes you to get blessing from a book which clearly mentions that a human walking on earth is Lord of heaven. Mind you, we do not read holy book on dead for seeking wisdom but to get blessings only.

Please quote me where I said that. There is no room for assumption here.

7. You can make 100 copy-past claiming pluralism is nothing but attitude. But, your pluralism is much more than attitude. The above facts give clear indication that your pluralism interfere in religious law, political systems, theology etc.

Please be specific how an attitude of respecting the otherness of other interferes with the religious laws or the political system or even theology.

8. Moreover, we do not develop random attitudes. Attitudes are merely manifestation of principles, values and ideology of our life. You cannot just get away by saying that pluralism is attitude.

You asked me my opinion, and were specific, your words, ‘Our whole discussion is about your version of Pluralism’ and here it is.”

9. If you read your previous mails, you have given ideological framework to justify your version of pluralism. This framework even proposes your own version of theology. Have read this comment and tell me whether this is attitude or theology.

To be a Muslim is to be a peace maker, one who constantly seeks to mitigate conflicts and nurtures goodwill for peaceful co-existence of humanity. God wants us to live in peace and harmony with his creation; Life and Matter.

It is obvious that it is my statement as it does not reference any verse of Qur’aan. It is based on the essence of Islam, which is creation of peace on earth achieved through removing conflicts and nurturing goodwill. I would like to know if this is not Islam.

10. You are redefining not even the word Muslim; rather even propose a new purpose of creation of God. In my previous mail I have given the verse to prove that your theology is in exact contradiction with Qur’aan and for some strange reason you chose to ignore the given verse.

Please present the verse.

11. Earlier too I have given a verse from Qur’aan to disprove your version of pluralism that you chose to ignore. I am giving reference of same verse again.

60:4 There is for you an excellent example (to follow) in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people: "We are clear of you and of whatever ye worship besides Allah. We have rejected you, and there has arisen, between us and you, enmity and hatred for ever, - unless ye believe in Allah and Him alone": But not when Abraham said to his father: "I will pray for forgiveness for thee, though I have no power (to get) aught on thy behalf from Allah." (They prayed): "Our Lord! In Thee do we trust, and to Thee do we turn in repentance: to Thee is (our) Final Goal.

And tell me how your pluralism does not contradict with “excellent pattern” of Ibraheem AS

Thanks for quoting this verse 60:4, from the given translation it appears to be in conflict with Pluralism, and it is our duty to explore and find more about it. Please review these verses – there is no statement of enmity or hatred in these verses.

109:1 (Asad) SAY: "O you who deny the truth!109:2 (Asad) "I do not worship that which you worship,109:3 (Asad) and neither do you worship that which I worship!109:4 (Asad) "And I will not worship ~hat which you have [ever] worshipped,109:5 (Asad) and neither will you [ever] worship that which I worship.109:6 (Asad) Unto you, your moral law, and unto me, mine!"

We need to understand both 60:4 and 109:1-6, please share what you have and I will look into it and check with my Imam.

12. There is another mail from you to prove pluralism from Qur’aan. Some of these verses may prove a specific version of pluralism. I can create another list to disprove the specific version of pluralism. But this wills be argument for the sake of argument. Our discussion is about your pluralism that comes with a specific ideological background creates an attitude and bulldozes the whole Islamic legacy.

Accepting the otherness of other is not in conflict with Islam” Prophet Muhammad accepted Jews, Christians and others as another faith, and had them sign the Madinah pact with them and he also removed Muhammadur Rasool Allah from his signature as the others objected to it saying you may be a Rasool to your followers but not to us.

I will be repeating much of what has been said before. He has asked the visiting Abyssinians Christians to pray in his mosque – he was accepting that their way of worship is different than ours and the prophet did not pass the judgment on them.”

13. In this mail you have only tried to refute my claim that you preach a separate doctrine. I reiterate that attitude of pluralism is only a part of your preaching. You in fact preach a complete ideology which contradicts Qur’aan.

That is your understanding, Pluralism is part of Islam, admit, it has not been explored or we may not be familiar with the work in this area, we should always be open to reviewing other works, without having to subscribe to it.

14. I am pasting my previous mail for your reference if you are missing anything.

Separation of falsehood from truth is very objective of Islam. Truth cannot exist by mixing truth with falsehood. You may like Mike's version of pluralism, but do not dilute Islam. You can present your doctrine as completely different religion considering mike as founder of it. In Islam our Kalama start with LA (No) negating and refuting shirk is foundation of Islam. Here negation comes even before affirming God.

Negation of shirk applies to Muslims who subscribe to the idea to begin with, and is required of them to take the Shahada as a reaffirmation of faith, as you and I have done. Polytheists have other belief system. However 60:4 needs to be reviewed.

15. You seem to promote a religion in which pluralism is most basic principle for which all Islamic values can be sacrificed. So far Mike has given only one proof from Qur’aan which is actually against racism and has nothing to do with kind of pluralism he is trying to promote.

Islam is a religion for the Aalameen, not for you and I alone but for the whole universe and we have to see how it is. Every one is welcome to explore and figure out how we can create a better world for every one. What is good for Muslims has got be good for others and vice versa to be sustainable.

16. Muslims have lived peacefully with non-Muslims all over the history except with those who were hostile to Muslims. But, need to live peacefully with non-Muslims never made them to give up their claim that Islam is the only true path.

This is good news and we need to work to maintain it.

17. So far, I am still struggling to figure out Mike's version of pluralism in Qur’aan and the closest thing that I found in Qur’aan is this.

68:7 Verily it is thy Lord that knoweth best, which (among men) hath strayed from His Path: and He knoweth best those who receive (true) Guidance.

68:8 So hearken not to those who deny (the Truth).

68:9 Their desire is that thou shouldst be pliant: so would they be pliant.

Thanks for these verses, and I have already quoted a host of verses in the previous email.

18. He goes to the extent that he claims that the reason of creation is pluralism!!! While Qur’aan clearly says things that is in exact contradiction.

Please quote me the text.

19. The Objective of creation is to instigate the clash between truth and falsehood.

21:16 Not for (idle) sport did We create the heavens and the earth and all that is between!

21:17 If it had been Our wish to take (just) a pastime, We should surely have taken it from the things nearest to Us, if We would do (such a thing)!

21:18 Nay, We hurl the Truth against falsehood, and it knocks out its brain, and behold, falsehood doth perish! Ah! woe be to you for the (false) things ye ascribe (to Us).

Thanks for sharing these beautiful verses, they are not in contradiction of the phrase that Allah is the Lord of the Aalameen.

20. Mind you, I am not asking you muslims to instigate this clash. My intention is only to provide a doctrinal basis to understand the purpose of creation. Now, what role we can and have to play in this clash is completely different topic.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, we have a lot more to understand, learn and exchange. Pluralism is an attitude of accepting the otherness of other and not a religion, ideology or a philosophy. As a Muslim I believe God wants us to live in peace with others and the environment.

We are not discussing about the word pluralism here. Our whole discussion is about your version of Pluralism.

You are promoting your pluralism in the form of events and your reaction and comments to those events. If you go through your previous mails you can easily see that you are promoting pluralism as a belief system and a separate law.

If you can’t recall, let me remind you few things.

1. Your pluralism says that a Muslim girl can marry Jew man. (My intention is not to discuss fallacy of this belief. This is only to prove that you promote pluralism as a law)

2. Your pluralism allow to you create positive impression about Zionism as though it is trivial personal differences

3. Your pluralism endorses greatest sin in the site of Allah (Shirk)

4. Your pluralism make you to support those who want to take icons of “their religion” to a place of worship of other religion who do not endorse such icon.

5. Your pluralism makes you to promote a Hindu deity among Muslims whose history of existence is established neither by history nor by faith of the audience.

6. Your pluralism makes you to get blessing from a book which clearly mentions that a human walking on earth is Lord of heaven. Mind you, we do not read holy book on dead for seeking wisdom but to get blessings only.

You can make 100 copy-past claiming pluralism is nothing but attitude. But, your pluralism is much more than attitude. The above facts give clear indication that your pluralism interfere in religious law, political systems, theology etc.

Moreover, we do not develop random attitudes. Attitudes are merely manifestation of principles, values and ideology of our life. You cannot just get away by saying that pluralism is attitude.

If you read your previous mails, you have given ideological framework to justify your version of pluralism. This framework even proposes your own version of theology. Have read this comment and tell me whether this is attitude or theology.

To be a Muslim is to be a peace maker, one who constantly seeks to mitigate conflicts and nurtures goodwill for peaceful co-existence of humanity. God wants us to live in peace and harmony with his creation; Life and Matter.

You are redefining not even the word Muslim; rather even propose a new purpose of creation of God. In my previous mail I have given the verse to prove that your theology is in exact contradiction with Quran and for some strange reason you chose to ignore the given verse.

Earlier too I have given a verse from Quran to disprove your version of pluralism that you chose to ignore. I am giving reference of same verse again.

60:4 There is for you an excellent example (to follow) in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people: "We are clear of you and of whatever ye worship besides Allah. we have rejected you, and there has arisen, between us and you, enmity and hatred for ever,- unless ye believe in Allah and Him alone": But not when Abraham said to his father: "I will pray for forgiveness for thee, though I have no power (to get) aught on thy behalf from Allah." (They prayed): "Our Lord! in Thee do we trust, and to Thee do we turn in repentance: to Thee is (our) Final Goal.

And tell me how your pluralism does not contradict with “excellent pattern” of Ibraheem AS

There is another mail from you to prove pluralism from Quran. Some of these verses may prove a specific version of pluralism. I can create another list to disprove the specific version of pluralism. But this wills be argument for the sake of argument. Our discussion is about your pluralism that comes with a specific ideological background creates an attitude and bulldozes the whole Islamic legacy.

In this mail you have only tried to refute my claim that you preach a separate doctrine. I reiterate that attitude of pluralism is only a part of your preaching. You in fact preach a complete ideology which contradicts Quran.

I am pasting my previous mail for your reference if you are missing anything.

Separation of falsehood from truth is very objective of Islam. Truth cannot exists by mixing truth with falsehood. You may like Mike's version of pluralism, but do not dilute Islam. You can present your doctrine as completely different religion considering mike as founder of it. In Islam our Kalima start with LA (No) negating and refuting shirk is foundation of Islam. Here negation comes even before affirming God.

You seem to promote a religion in which pluralism is most basic principle for which all Islamic values can be sacrificed. So far Mike has given only one proof from Quran which is actually against racism and has nothing to do with kind of pluralism he is trying to promote.

Muslims have lived peacefully with non-Muslims all over the history except with those who were hostile to muslims. But, need to live peacefully with non-muslims never made them to give up their claim that Islam is the only true path.

So far, I am still struggling to figure out Mike's version of pluralism in Quran and the closest thing that I found in Quran is this.

68:7 Verily it is thy Lord that knoweth best, which (among men) hath strayed from His Path: and He knoweth best those who receive (true) Guidance.

68:8 So hearken not to those who deny (the Truth).

68:9 Their desire is that thou shouldst be pliant: so would they be pliant.

He goes to the extent that he claim that the reason of creation is pluralism!!! while Quran clearly says things that is in exact contradiction.

The Objective of creation is to instigate the clash between truth and falsehood.

21:16 Not for (idle) sport did We create the heavens and the earth and all that is between!

21:17 If it had been Our wish to take (just) a pastime, We should surely have taken it from the things nearest to Us, if We would do (such a thing)!

21:18 Nay, We hurl the Truth against falsehood, and it knocks out its brain, and behold, falsehood doth perish! Ah! woe be to you for the (false) things ye ascribe (to Us).

Mind you, I am not asking you muslims to instigate this clash. My intention is only to provide a doctrinal basis to understand the purpose of creation. Now, what role we can and have to play in this clash is completely different topic.

We as Muslims plan to respond to pastor Terry Jones' planned burning of 3000 copies of Quran on September 11, 2013 in positive terms.

Our response - we will reclaim the standard of behavior practiced by the Prophet concerning “scurrilous and hostile criticism of the Qur’an” (Muhammad Asad Translation Note 31, verse 41:34). It was "To overcome evil with good is good, and to resist evil by evil is evil." It is also strongly enjoined in the Qur’an in the same verse 41:34, “Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend.”

God willing Muslims will follow the divine guidance and pray for the restoration of Goodwill, and on that day many Muslim organizations will go on a “blood drive” to save lives and serve humanity with kindness.

We invite fellow Americans of all faiths, races, and ethnicities to join us to rededicate the pledge, “One nation under God”, and to build a cohesive America where no American has to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of fellow Americans. This event is a substitute for our 10th Annual Unity Day Celebration (www.UnitydayUSA.com) held in Dallas, but now it will be at Mulberry, Florida.

Unwittingly Pastor Jones has done us a favor by invigorating us by his decision to burn nearly 3000 copies Quran on September 11, 2013. Obviously he is not satisfied by the notoriety he garnered by burning one Qur'an last year.

As Muslims and citizens we honor the free speech guaranteed in our constitution. We have no intentions to criticize, condemn or oppose Pastor Terry Jones' freedom of expression. Instead, we will be donating blood and praying for goodness to permeate in our society.

We plan to follow Jesus Christ (pbuh), a revered prophet in Islam as well as Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) – that of mitigating the conflicts and nurturing good will for the common good of the society.

We hope, this event and the message will remind Muslims elsewhere in the world as well, that violence is not the way. Muslims, who react violently to senseless provocation, should realize that, violence causes more violence, and besmirches the name of the religion that we hold so dear. We believe that Prophet Muhammad was a mercy to the mankind, and we ought to practice what we believe and preach. We must not insult Islam by the negative reactions of a few.

We can only hope it will bring about a change in the attitude of the followers of Pastor Jones, and in the behavior of those Muslims who reacted violently the last time Pastor sought notoriety – We hope this small step towards a bridge to peaceful coexistence would propel us towards building a cohesive society.

Like most Americans a majority of Muslims quietly go about their own business, but it is time to speak up and take positive action instead of negative reaction. May this message of peace and goodwill reverberate and reach many shores.

Lastly, we appreciate the Citizens of Mulberry, Florida, Honorable Mayor George Hatch, City Commissioners, police and Fire Chiefs for handing this situation very well. This will add a ‘feather of peace’ in the City’s reputation. We hope Mulberry will be a catalyst in showing the way in handling conflict with dignity and peace.

We thank the Media for giving value to the work towards peace rather than conflict.

CIVIL DIALOGUE

The people in Dallas are making an effort to understand and clean their own hearts first, when we are free from bias, it would be easy to share that with others. Islam teaches us in so many ways to "respect the otherness of others" and it is time we find simple practical ways of doing it.

SACRED - THE FILM

ABOUT US

The role of Muslims is to contribute towards the well being of humanity, and to be the conflict mitigaters and goodwill nurturers. Our goal is a secure world for every human. Please read the mission statement.

This group is about Muslims and their civic responsibilities in creating a dignified religious, social and civic space for themselves in the community of faiths. We do not distinguish between a Sunni, Shia, Ahmadiyya, WD Muhammad, Ismaili, Bohra or the subsets of each group, all believe in God, the Prophet and the accountability of their actions and whoever calls himself or herself a Muslim is a Muslim to us. Currently we are blessed to have our Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Bahai, Sikh and Buddhist friends among us to learn and share their perspective. This is our world and our God collectively.

MEMBERSHIP SINCE 2003

World Muslim Congress is a think tank, all are welcome to participate in the discussions, our scope is limited and defined in our mission statement. Currently, we have 1800 Members world wide with no membership fee.

To join the group, send an email to: WorldMuslimCongress-Subscribe@yahoogroups.com

WHAT WILL MUSLIMS DO WHILE QURAN IS BURNT

It is a purposeful positive event for Americans of different faiths, races, ethnicities and other uniqueness to come together to rededicate ourselves to our pledge; One nation under God with liberty and Justice for all. We will pray for peace, prosperity and security of our nation.

Last year the event focused on the positive response of Sikh community to the Wisconsin Shooting and this year, we will focus on the positive prayerful response of Muslim community to the planned Qur'an Burning by Pastor Terry Jones in Mulberry, Florida.

Click on pictures to see larger version of the photo

RSVP- ConfirmAttendance@gmail.comContact information - at the bottomPROGRAM DETAILSPictures indicate for visualization of the program as was done in Dallas, Texas We honor the free speech guaranteed in our constitution, and have no intentions to criticize, condemn or oppose Pastor Terry Jones freedom of expression. Instead, we will be donating blood and praying for goodness to prevail for the common good of the world. We hope, our mercy based message will remind those few Muslims elsewhere in the world that violence is not the way. We believe it may bring a change in the attitudes of followers of Pastor Jones, and in the behavior of those Muslims who reacted violently the last time Pastor sought notoriety.

Please join us for a life changing event, you will fall in love with the idea that all of us Americans will come together as Americans and nothing but Americans. While we have our identity, we look to each other as American and rededicate ourselves to our pledge; one nation under God with liberty and justice for all.

You will be a part of history in creating a model behavior in dealing with conflicts and building a cohesive America, where no American has to live in apprehension or fear of the other.The 10th Annual event is moved to Mulberry, Florida - for a singular purpose - to mitigate possible apprehensions generated by the planned burning of 2998 copies of Quran on September 11, 2013. We hope the event restores our faith in the cohesiveness of America, and we the people will go on about our business of living our daily lives.The full press release: http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2013/08/planned-muslim-response-to-quran_18.html

WE WILL GATHER;

to be together as Americans

to express our gratitude to our men and women in uniform

to honor individuals who have contributed to the well being of Mulberry, Florida

to emphasize and appreciate diversity represented by America.

to cherish the otherness of others.

to commit to be good neighbors

to rededicate our pledge to the peace, prosperity and security of America

Please join us with your family and friends to be together as Americans. Your presence is a valuable expression of unity. Along with our elected officials, civic, religious and business leaders, you help fulfill our common values and aspirations. Your presence fortifies our commitment to a pluralistic America.

As Americans, and as American of all hues, we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. All our faiths reinforce the creed of "One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all”.

On this Unity Day USA, we, the people of the United States of America of every faith, race and ethnicity, will gather to express our commitment to co-existence, safety, prosperity and the well being of our nation.

PROGRAM: FLAG CEREMONY

NATIONAL ANTHEM

(Preferably joined in by members of at least 7 faith traditions, if not all)

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

To be led by the Hon. Mayor George Hatch of Mulberry

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Acknowledgement of dignitaries- Suzanne

Thanking key volunteers - Curtis

Thanking the Media- Butch

Appreciating the sponsors - Lynn

PURPOSE

Purpose - a new positive approach to conflict mitigation and rededicating to our pledge – one nation under God with Liberty and Justice for all- Mike

Mayors, Police and Fire chiefs, and Civic Leaders to share 3 minutes each – about their responsibility in treating each citizen with respect and dignity

HONORING THE ACTIVISTS

Those who have stood up for others

SPIRITUAL LEADERS

All-inclusive spiritual leaders will be on stage representing each tradition, and lighting a candle of the next, a symbolic gesture to be the light to others. Every available religious American representation in Polk County will be accommodated. This is not about sermons but about being together as Americans. Please beware, it is about Americans and included in the group will be Atheists, Pagans and other non-religious traditions.

PEACE PLEDGE

I will I will speak up when there is injustice.

I will speak up when truth is not spoken.

I will make my words and my actions mitigate conflicts.

I will do my share in nurturing goodwill for the benefit of all.

I will do my share of peace work, without looking for others

I will do respect the God given uniqueness of each individual.

I will do my best to live and let others live their way.

I will do my best to nurture goodwill in everything I do.

SPECIAL MUSLIM PRAYER

( 3-4 Minutes)Muslim prayers and supplication for the safety and security and unity of our nation. Pray for the well being of all Americans, and seek forgiveness for all of us, and may God guide Reverend Terry Jones to become a be blessed peace maker. Pray for the goodwill of the people of Polk county and Mulberry City, and pray for a cohesive America, where no American needs to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear or fellow Americans.

Please donate to defray the costs. All donors over $100 will be listed on this site. If one or two individuals want to sponsor, we would really welcome it. It will save us time. Donate athttp://americatogetherfoundation.com/donate/ MESSAGES - PRESS RELEASES

We as Muslims plan to respond to pastor Terry Jones' planned burning of 3000 copies of Quran on September 11, 2013 in positive terms.

Our response - we will reclaim the standard of behavior practiced by the Prophet concerning “scurrilous and hostile criticism of the Qur’an” (Muhammad Asad Translation Note 31, verse 41:34). It was "To overcome evil with good is good, and to resist evil by evil is evil." It is also strongly enjoined in the Qur’an in the same verse 41:34, “Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend.”

God willing Muslims will follow the divine guidance and pray for the restoration of Goodwill, and on that day many Muslim organizations will go on a “blood drive” to save lives and serve humanity with kindness.

We invite fellow Americans of all faiths, races, and ethnicities to join us to rededicate the pledge, “One nation under God”, and to build a cohesive America where no American has to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of fellow Americans. This event is a substitute for our 10th Annual Unity Day Celebration (www.UnitydayUSA.com) held in Dallas, but now it will be at Mulberry, Florida.

Unwittingly Pastor Jones has done us a favor by invigorating us by his decision to burn nearly 3000 copies Quran on September 11, 2013. Obviously he is not satisfied by the notoriety he garnered by burning one Qur'an last year.

As Muslims and citizens we honor the free speech guaranteed in our constitution. We have no intentions to criticize, condemn or oppose Pastor Terry Jones' freedom of expression. Instead, we will be donating blood and praying for goodness to permeate in our society.

We plan to follow Jesus Christ (pbuh), a revered prophet in Islam as well as Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) – that of mitigating the conflicts and nurturing good will for the common good of the society.

We hope, this event and the message will remind Muslims elsewhere in the world as well, that violence is not the way. Muslims, who react violently to senseless provocation, should realize that, violence causes more violence, and besmirches the name of the religion that we hold so dear. We believe that Prophet Muhammad was a mercy to the mankind, and we ought to practice what we believe and preach. We must not insult Islam by the negative reactions of a few.

We can only hope it will bring about a change in the attitude of the followers of Pastor Jones, and in the behavior of those Muslims who reacted violently the last time Pastor sought notoriety – We hope this small step towards a bridge to peaceful coexistence would propel us towards building a cohesive society.

Like most Americans a majority of Muslims quietly go about their own business, but it is time to speak up and take positive action instead of negative reaction. May this message of peace and goodwill reverberate and reach many shores.

Lastly, we appreciate the Citizens of Mulberry, Florida, Honorable Mayor George Hatch, City Commissioners, police and Fire Chiefs for handing this situation very well. This will add a ‘feather of peace’ in the City’s reputation. We hope Mulberry will be a catalyst in showing the way in handling conflict with dignity and peace.

We thank the Media for giving value to the work towards peace rather than conflict.